National Football League

Jay Cutler cleared to return, Brian Hoyer likely headed to IR

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:51 p.m. ET

Dan Graf

Jay Cutler’s Chicago Bears career seemed to be at or near its finish when he was sidelined with a thumb injury and Brian Hoyer was racking up 300-yard games, but now their roles have reversed.

Cutler, Chicago’s starting quarterback for much of the past eight seasons, was replaced by Hoyer after two injury-marred and lackluster starts, but – four days after Hoyer broke his arm in a Thursday night game against the Green Bay Packers – coach John Fox has declared Cutler healthy enough to play.

Given how badly Matt Barkley fared against the Packers in relief of Hoyer – completing six of 15 passes for 81 yards – that seems to clear the way for Cutler to regain his starting role when the 1-6 Bears play host to the Minnesota Vikings next Monday night.

Hoyer, who topped 300 passing yards in all four of his full games despite winning only one of them, had successful surgery on his arm and likely will be placed on injured reserve.

As for Cutler, he’ll have nine more games to convince the Bears – or some other team – that he’s a viable starting option for next season as the Bears play out the string. Cutler, 33, went 34-22 in his first four years as Chicago’s starter but is 16-27 since.

#Bears coach John Fox announces QB Jay Cutler has been cleared to play; has been sidelined since Week 2 with thumb injury.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 24, 2016

#Bears HC John Fox also reveals QB Brian Hoyer had successful surgery; likely headed to injured reserve.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 24, 2016